How to Install Metal Roofing Flashing How to Install Metal Roofing Flashing

What You'll Need

Extension ladder

Tape measure

Level

Safety glasses

Gloves

Hammer

Nails

Shovel

Crowbar

Utility Knife

Roofing cement

Shingles

Ice and water barrier

Sheet metal flashing

Mortar saw

Personal fall arrest system

Lacquer thinner

Exterior Paint

Paint brush

What You'll Need

Extension ladder

Tape measure

Level

Safety glasses

Gloves

Hammer

Nails

Shovel

Crowbar

Utility Knife

Roofing cement

Shingles

Ice and water barrier

Sheet metal flashing

Mortar saw

Personal fall arrest system

Lacquer thinner

Exterior Paint

Paint brush

Installing metal roofing flashing around chimneys and vent stacks prolongs the life of your roofing material and prevents water damage to your building. Sheet metal flashing is used to divert precipitation away from potential weak points in the roof seal, such as junctions with plumbing and ventilation ducts. Flashing can be made from many materials, including copper, aluminum, lead and stainless steel.

Step 1 – Work Safely

Choose a day with calm weather to work on the roof. Doing roofing work on windy or rainy days is dangerous and exposes your home to the elements. Use of a rope and harness is recommended.

Step 2 – Take Measurements

Measure the perimeter of the chimney and the slope of the roof. For front base flashing, use a piece of sheet metal 1 foot longer than the width of the chimney. For step flashing, use 8 x 8 inch squares. For the saddle, measure the front of the chimney from the roof to the third mortar joint. Obtain flashing pieces from a sheet metal shop or cut and bend them yourself.

Step 3 – Remove Old Roofing Material

Scrape off and discard the old shingles and roofing cement from around the perimeter of the chimney.

Step 4 – Apply Water and Ice Barrier

Seal the area around the chimney with a masonry primer or vapor barrier before installing the flashing.

Step 5 – Install Base Flashing

Coat the bottom side of the base flashing with roofing cement. Stick the piece firmly against the front of the chimney, over top of the shingles. Nail the flashing into place.

Step 6 – Install Step Flashing

Begin installing step flashing at the low end of the junction between the roof line and the chimney. Bend and place the squares against the side of the chimney. Overlap the pieces as you work your way to the top. The pieces of flashing should resemble the profile of a staircase when viewed from the side. Cover the pieces of step flashing with shingles and then nail both into place.

Step 7 – Install Saddle or Backer Flashing

You can make a saddle to connect the roof line to the chimney using two plywood triangles. The saddle redirects water from the back of the chimney towards the front and side. If using a saddle, wrap step flashing up to its tip. Otherwise, install the backer flashing the same way you installed the base flashing.

Step 8 – Cut Grooves

Cut 1-inch grooves into the masonry joints with a diamond bit saw.

Step 9 – Install Cap Flashing

Insert the cap flashing into the grooves and bend it down over the step flashing.

Step 10 – Wash and Paint Flashing

If you used galvanized stainless steel flashing, wash it with lacquer thinner prior to finishing it. Then, paint the flashing in the color of your choice. This prevents corrosion and helps you match the flashing to the style of your building.